( New York, NY - September 3, 2015 ) Funders for LGBTQ Issues released a new report today entitled Vital Funding Part Two: Grantmaking Strategies for Improving LGBTQ Health ( 2015 ).
The report reveals several strategies for funders interested in improving health outcomes for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer ( LGBTQ ) communities.
In January 2015, Funders for LGBTQ Issues, Funders Concerned About AIDS, and Grantmakers In Health held a historic first-ever LGBT Health Funding Summit that convened over 50 grantmakers, advocates, and experts to discuss the alarming health disparities facing LGBTQ people.
This report builds on those rich conversations and the findings of Funders for LGBTQ Issues' first report, Vital Funding - Investing in LGBTQ Health and Wellbeing to share meaningful ways for philanthropy to:
Increase access to insurance coverage for LGBTQ people. 18% of LGBTQ adults have no health insurance compared to about 13% of non-LGBTQ adults.
Build the capacity of the HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ health services sector. Many LGBTQ health and HIV/AIDS organizations are dependent on a small number of funding sources, despite serving nearly 300,000 individuals a year.
Increase LGBTQ cultural and clinical competence of health service providers and systems. One study found that 78% of physicians reported receiving no training content in medical school on healthcare for Bisexual patients. The same study found that 76% of physicians received no training content in medical school on healthcare for Transgender patients.
Strengthen HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ health policy and advocacy infrastructure. A number of states have policies that disadvantage LGBTQ communities, including laws that criminalize HIV, a lack of employment non-discrimination protections, and 19 states that are not expanding Medicaid.
Support efforts to address mental and behavioral health and other social determinants related to stigma. LGBTQ individuals are disproportionately likely to experience poverty, family rejection, food insecurity, homelessness, criminalization, and poverty.
"Despite many advances in LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ people still face staggering health disparities and barriers to accessing competent healthcare," said Ben Francisco Maulbeck, President of Funders for LGBTQ Issues. "At this pivotal moment for the LGBTQ movement, it is my hope that Vital Funding Part Two proves useful for LGBTQ funders, HIV funders, and health funders who are committed to improving the health and well-being of LGBTQ communities."
The report also includes an infographic that visually summarizes the findings. Both the infographic and full report are now available for download at www.lgbtfunders.org .
Funders for LGBTQ Issues is a network of foundations, corporations, and other donors seeking to mobilize philanthropic resources that enhance the well-being of LGBTQ communities, promote equity and advance racial, economic and gender justice.